The Dallas Stars are heading to the Western Conference semifinals after a dramatic 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7 of their quarterfinal series. The Stars clinched the series 4-3, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to secure the win on their home ice.The hero of the night was Finnish forward Mikko Rantanen, who tallied three goals and an assist against his former team.

Rantanen’s Return Haunts Avalanche

Rantanen, a 28-year-old Finn, spent 10 seasons with the Avalanche, even hoisting the Stanley Cup with them in 2022. However, a mid-season trade sent him to Carolina before landing him in Dallas. Despite the change of scenery, Rantanen’s performance showed no signs of slowing down.

Reflecting on his departure from Colorado, Rantanen stated, I wanted to stay in Colorado, but it is indeed business, I understand it and it needs to be respected. He acknowledged the emotional and physical toll of the series, adding outlook to his outstanding performance.

game 7: A Test of Character

The game itself was a rollercoaster. Colorado jumped to a 2-0 lead early in the third period, courtesy of Josh Manson and star forward Nathan MacKinnon. Though, Rantanen ignited the Stars’ comeback with a crucial goal at 48 minutes, followed by an equalizer on the power play at 54 minutes.

Rantanen described the series as a true test of his team’s resolve: The series turned out as I expected. From the first duel I thought it would be for seven matches. We had better and worse moments, but we showed character and determination. I believed this team. The critically important thing was that Jake Oettinger, who had a 0: 2 important intervention, kept us.

Turning Point: Drury’s Penalty and Johnston’s Goal

The turning point came when Colorado’s Jack Drury was penalized for holding with just over four minutes remaining. Dallas capitalized on the power play, with Wyatt Johnston scoring the game-winning goal at 57 minutes.rantanen sealed the victory with an empty-net goal with three seconds left on the clock,completing his hat trick.

Rantanen’s third goal marked a historic moment, making him the first player ever to score three goals in the final period of a Game 7.

Coach DeBoer’s Impeccable Record

Dallas coach Peter DeBoer praised Rantanen’s leadership and determination: Mikko gave a tone and simply decided not to go home.He took it into our hands. We witnessed something special.

DeBoer also made history, becoming the first coach or player to win all nine of his Game 7 appearances. His perfect 9-0 record spans four different teams as 2012: New Jersey, San Jose, Vegas, and Dallas.

Avalanche’s Game 7 Struggles Continue

For the Avalanche, the loss marked their seventh consecutive Game 7 defeat since 2002, with the last four occurring under coach Jared Bednar. The Avalanche are the only team from major North American professional sports leagues (NHL, NBA, MLB) to endure such a negative streak in Game 7s.

Bednar expressed his disappointment: It’s hard to come to terms with a falling out as we put our soul and heart in the whole season. We had a very good start, but we missed it among our fingers. I know how hard the boys worked, the more I’m sorry.

Historical Significance

dallas has now won all four of its Game 7 matchups against Colorado. In the previous three instances, the Stars advanced to the stanley Cup Final.

What’s Next for the Stars?

The Stars will face either Winnipeg or St. Louis in the Western Conference Semifinals. Their Game 7 is scheduled for Monday night in Winnipeg. A Winnipeg victory would mean Dallas starts the series on the road, while a St. Louis win would give Dallas home-ice advantage.

Game Summary

Dallas Stars – Colorado Avalanche 4:2 (0:0, 0:1, 4:1)

• Goals: 48′ Rantanen, 54′ Rantanen, 57′ Johnston, 60′ Rantanen – Manson, McKinnon
• Goalkeepers: Oettinger – Blackwood
• Shots on Goal: 19:27

Final Series Result: Dallas wins 4-3

Playoff Bracket

Eastern Conference:

• Toronto – Florida
• Washington – Carolina

Western Conference:

• Vegas – Edmonton
• Dallas – Winnipeg/st. Louis